New York City – The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York has been criticized for his leniency in allowing the former president to go on a lengthy courtroom rant. Legal expert Joyce Vance believes that Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision to bend the rules for Trump was a mistake. Engoron allowed Trump to speak during closing arguments, even though he was not under oath as a witness. Vance argues that Trump should be treated like any other individual in court.
The lawsuit, filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2022, alleges that Trump and top executives at The Trump Organization conspired to inflate Trump’s net worth on financial statements provided to banks and insurers. Trump, who is currently the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the case against him is politically motivated.
During the trial, Trump made an unusual request to deliver his own closing arguments. However, Engoron denied the request after Trump’s legal team refused to comply with the judge’s terms. Despite this, Engoron still allowed Trump to go on a six-minute diatribe, where he criticized the judge and James, and maintained his innocence. The judge only stopped Trump so that the court could proceed with its scheduled lunch break.
Vance, in her Civil Discourse blog, stated that Engoron “bent the rules” by allowing Trump to speak without being questioned under oath. She argues that Trump should not receive special treatment in court and called on the judicial system to treat him like any other individual facing legal proceedings. Vance believes that the courts should not be afraid of Trump and should focus on delivering justice.
Engoron has already ruled that Trump committed fraud by misrepresenting the value of his properties in his financial statements. The trial was mainly held to determine the size of the penalty Trump will face. If found guilty, Trump could potentially be banned from doing business in New York, have his properties removed from his control, or be forced to pay a substantial fine. Engoron aims to make his final decision by January 31.
In summary, criticism has been directed towards Judge Engoron for allowing Trump to go on a courtroom rant during his civil fraud trial. Legal expert Joyce Vance argues that Trump should not receive special treatment and should be treated like any other individual in court. Engoron has already ruled that Trump committed fraud, and the trial is now focused on determining the extent of the penalty Trump will face. The final decision is expected by January 31.